"Why your character think the empress noticed him? One of his quality? Something he did before? How your character feel about the trials? Does he want to be part of it, or he was forced to comply?"

Is this supposed to be from player Point of ViewPoV? I can't imagine Rene having any idea as to why the Empress would notice him.

Also for PC relationships, so far all the PCs are from hundreds of leagues away, I'm not sure Rene would know any of them other than perhaps by name. - How should I handle this?

@EVERYBODY: I have clarified this point about the PCs relationships, as part of the application format.

10.PCs relationships (5 PCs minimum): Imagine that all the applicant's characters are invited to an imperial ball. What would your character first impression of them be? You can assume they know a bit of their history and background that you can read in the applications. Consider that all applicants are part of the world. You can collaborate with the other players on that if you want a more in depth relationship between your characters in the world. Characters not chosen will become NPCs in the world.

That's one of the parts I find the most interesting to see what kind of chemistry I can get going by forming that party, so don't underestimate the importance of that. Please choose at least 5 PCs you want to talk about, more if you have the time.

Thank you!

__________________
I'm moving abroad in one month. Packing the whole family and drama!

Always a little too scruffy for Court, and dressed to finely for the fields, yet Sebastian finds himself at home wherever he is. He exudes a raw maleness that makes women want him, men want to be him, and (almost) all desire to befriend him. Despite his rugged good looks he never comes across as a threat to man or woman, noble or commoner. Unless, at the last moment, he does intend them harm. This has been most uncommon, at least until he was kidnapped on his way to the Imperial Capital

Background

Adopted into the Royal family of Patrenia, Sebastian's origins are unknown, save to the Queen that adopted him. Although raised with most of benefits of Royalty, he is missing one important attribute: an inheritance. Although slightly older than his natural born siblings, he is not in line for the throne. This leaves him to work all the harder to earn his own way. Rather than feel annoyance at his brothers and sisters, he has only gratitude to them and his parents. His loyalty to them is perhaps only second to his loyalty to the Empire. At the age of 12 he was sent to the now Royal Court and trained in the ways of nobility. Upon achieving the age of 16 he began his training with the important Orders that protect the people and Kingdom.
With the Army he trained under the normal circumstances which any recruit would survive, despite his Adoptive Royal parentage.
From the outside, many would consider him just a dilettante, a spoiled rich boy unwilling to commit his life and career to the Navy. He was apparently good enough to squeak by in his training.
Outside the Courts few have heard of him unless they drank with him or hunted with him on the woods. They know him as a likable fellow and fiercely protective of his friends. The only way to get him to exercise violence is to threaten the wellbeing of someone he cares for.Within the Court, the reason for his sudden exile has been a matter of great speculation and argument. That this well liked fellow was sent from Court so abruptly, some figure he must have caused some grave offense. Others argue that this would not be possible. Some suggest he may have bedded the wrong noble's daughter, yet none come forward to confirm this theory. Was he dabbling in forbidden magics? Sebastian? Never, he is devoted to the Faith and too wise to become involved in such things.

Other Details

Quirks:
Although a strict adherent of the Faith of Eryka, he is often open to those who hold other, at least near heretical positions. He knows Church men of the highest honor and of the lowest. His perception of the Faith is higher than his perception of the Church. He seems accepting of all but the totally unacceptable.

Magic is an important watershed in his judgement of others. In the right hands it is a worthy tool. In the wrong hands it is reason for judgement and destruction. There have been rumors of magicians making connections to disturbingly evil lower planes in order to increase their magics. This has been mostly among those of Atheistic beliefs. Magic is fine, Atheists are foolish but not a threat. Spurning the gods and creating bonds with the Underworld is dangerous to all.

He is an incurable flirt, and despite his best intentions, he falls into the arms of more women than is proper. The women themselves are always proper, and his intentions are as well, yet... the connection sometimes lasts for brief days, and usually return to a more proper and devoted friendship.

He is smooth, both in movement and in disposition, his fighting, his dancing, and his socializing all have this characteristic.

His loyalty is legendary, although it ordinarily does not survive the violation of that bond.

He has been very protective of his adoptive siblings. His "little brother" Alexander really needed it growing up. Although an heir of the second most powerful person in the Empire, he was kind of bookish and unathletic. His social skills were a bit lacking as well. Eventually, he grew to be a skilled mage and Navel officer, when he went away to Sea, Sebastian figured he had grown up enough to take care of himself.

His little sister, Cleo, although less in need of protection, gained even greater loyalty. They remain great friends and seeming conspirators in Court and City escapades.
His official Title of Lord of Horse and Hunt carries no land, no inheritance. He figured that he may one day marry into such.
Recent Events:
Despite having no known enemies at Court, Sebastian has revealed to the some very few close friends, including the Princess heir of Patrenia and his eldest brother/cousin that he has been asked to leave the Court to avoid some unmentioned threat. They were puzzled, because ordinarily, with Sebastian, a threat would be met head on. It is difficult to imagine, but for some reason he has decided to leave for now.

He has apparently accepted a commission in the Army and is going off to fight against the...???. He wouldn't care one way or another about the...???, except that it has become a threat to his Home and Kingdom and Empire. This of course means they must be dissuaded, by all means necessary. This was just a ruse to throw off pursuit. It is instead to someplace nearer and perhaps more treacherous he has gone. He was Hunting those who threatened him, now Hunting those who killed the Empress.

Long Term Goal: Find a nice Noble Woman with an estate and settle down.

Short Term Goal: To escape from and bring to Justice the Conspirators against the possible heirs and of course against the Empress herself.
Overarching Goal: Insure the safety of the Empire's new, yet to be named Heir and the Patrenian Royal Family

Posting Rate/Availability: Available to post at least twice a day, morning and evening, Mountain Time US. Currently in Central Time Zone until mid August.

Sebastian has made certain she is trained to sword and bow, but magic and diplomacy are her natural strengths. Ignored by her brother Alexander, she has adored her adoptive brother Sebastian who has cared about her when others did not. Many care about her, but Bast cares for her. In public she never strays from propriety, but, goading Bast into adventures, a disguised Royal Princess can find many kinds of mischief. There are precious few who even suspect such things of her. Any who might consider the possibility, would expect Sebastian to be at her side.

[/B]

Baroness Alexandra Trevelyan

Name:Baroness Alexandra TrevelyanAge: 50s? Race: HumanOccupation: Baroness of Trevel (A small but wealthy estate on the outskirts of the Imperial Capital, known for breeding of warhorses.)

A Baroness known more for her presence at Court than for running her own estates, Alexandra Trevelyan, although not a power on her own, is known as one to please if you would be successful at the Imperial Court. Always a Fashion icon, even as she ages, she is one who is to be made friendly with. The Empress herself does not make friendly with anyone, so the Baroness, her informal social secretary is important to impress.

Sebastian has often been seen in her presence, though perhaps this is just because he is a likable fellow who has not found anyone to actively dislike him. As Sebastian's birth parentage is not know to many, some have determined that the Baroness is his actual birth Mother and that she used her influence on the Empress and Queen Elza to have her love child adopted by the Queen. Although speculated upon, it seems no one has been able to confirm such a rumor. Those who have proposed it have mysteriously lost influence and position in the Court.

Re PCs

Having met her often at the Cathedral of Eryka, Sebastian is fascinated by her... Elvishness. Much of the Court is wary of even the few established Elven Nobles, but Sebastian finds her race to be just another interesting Data Point. She is a bit stiff, but Bast supposes she has to be in her position. Anyone who is so devoted to Good and to the Church is to be appreciated.

Although Sebastian is only about 6 months older than his adoptive sibling, Sebastian has always found himself very protective of both Alexander and of his younger sister Cleo. Even tho Alexander can sometimes be an insufferable prig, Sebastian credits him for always trying to do the right thing. Bast is happy that he seems to have found a successful position in the Royal Navy, and that his studies of magic have been fruitful.

Sebastian is quite familiar with the fellow from around the Court and considers him quite trustworthy.

A lovely young girl who seemed somewhat adrift at the Court. Unfortunately, her brother caught up with them while she was embracing him, in thanks for extricating her from a socially uncomfortable situation. Fortunately, he found them before she pressed her thanks any further. Perhaps, Sebastian would look her up when her young hormonal surges have been regulated.

He has a spark of genius, in an academic sense at least. He would be good man to have at your side figuring out a metaphysical problem, Shame he is a smug, judgmental twit with little understanding of the people around him. Neither those attempting to use him, nor those trying to help him will really be understood. When he is around Sebastian will at least look out to dissuade those who might attempt to use the myopic scholar for untoward purposes. Sebastian needn't like the fellow in order to keep an eye out, so that bad things do not befall him.

Sebastian didn't mind bending the rules here and there, but this woman is a shipwreck. A pleasant and talented shipwreck, but still... When she tried to run a game on Sebastian himself, he was able to turn her on to an actually deserving mark. With a stern warning that the Court was not a place to run her schemes, he let her off. A shame that fake foreign Baron lost all his seed money that night.

Ah! She is a wonder. Much more attuned to the natural world than most at Court, or even in the countryside. She portrays a simple appreciative nature. Even tho she possesses a keen sense of people and diplomatic skills, her approach seems to be much more straightforward than most.As our trip to the river proved, she is confident and unashamed in her body. Poor Alexander... that is a skill he seems unlikely to ever master.

Vec... Vec... haven't seen him around Court for quite some time. Poor fellow, always seemed to be working too hard. To impress? Maybe to impress himself as well.

Sebastian truly cares deeply about everyone. Especially family, friends and those in need. Seldom is he a fool for those who wish to use this against him or others. But, what would I know.

Recent Events

Recent events. A few of the more knowledgeable sorts, and those impressed into action by the Lord of Horse and Hunt know that something was afoot. Lord Sebastian has been missing from Court under a cloud of mystery. The cloud is starting to lift. Sebastian has been in Dogma and in the Forests of Atheyna near Liberty.
A nest of Rebels needed to be hunted down. This was completed quickly, quietly and completely.
Lord Sebastian figured that, this having been accomplished, it was time to return to a more sedate life at the Capital. On the way back, at a place no one should have been able to find him, he received a message informing him of the Empress helena's death and summoning him back to Court as one of a group of Heirs. Heir? She probably left him a nice rapier and perhaps a nice Public House in the Countryside.
The Hunter had become the Hunted. In an entirely untenable change of circumstance Sebastian found himself, drugged, bagged, in chains, and aboard a ship. The last was the worst of all. His companion was nowhere to be found.Not a good week.

__________________ "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing."

Physical description: Elaria is best described as “statuesque.” She is undeniably beautiful, but she also has a severity about her, a rigidness that makes her seem less approachable. She keeps her blonde hair woven into braids, tightly enough that even after a rough battle it’s unusual for even a single strand to be out of place.

Personality: Elaria is kind and compassionate almost to a fault, but somewhat lacking in empathy. Although she always seeks to do what is right and not bring pain to others, she can often be oblivious to the feelings of those around her unless they are spelled out for her. She can also be quite stubborn, and it is very difficult to turn her from a course once she has determined it is the correct one.

Parents: The elder Dunulaans are oddities in Selarya, a pair of elven nobles. Elaria’s father, Sebarial, fought against his own people in the last war, and was given a barony in recognition of his service to the crown. Now retired, he and his wife spend their time on their estate in the country, while Elaria and her brother Nadrial spend most of their time in the capital, attending to the family’s various business interests and occasionally attending the empress’s court. Owing to their family’s status, the siblings are often casually referred to as “Baron” and “Baroness,” although the actual titles are held by their parents.

The Trials: Elaria was shocked at the news that she had been named as a potential heir to the Empress. Not that she doesn’t feel she is worthy of the honor, but who would have even considered the idea of an elf taking the imperial throne? She knows that she must have made quite an impression on Helena to even be considered. That much wasn’t surprising to her, as she had known the empress for quite a long time (by human reckoning, anyway), and had fought boldly against the rebels after the empire’s founding and again against the planar invaders in Armadya a year ago. In addition, Elaria has always made an effort to be fair and upright in all her dealings. Her best guess is the the Empress noticed all this and considered her a good enough choice to overlook the issues her heritage may cause. Despite her initial surprise, she fully believes she is capable of whatever tasks lie ahead, and is eager to prove herself.

Elaria’s younger brother. He’s not as talented with a sword as his sister, but he has a sharp mind for business, so he largely takes care of the family’s finances. In his younger days, he had a tendency to get himself into trouble, which Elaria usually had to get him out of. But, as he has progressed into adulthood, he has grown more responsible and is now a worthy steward of the family’s funds. Nadrial idolizes his sister, and was overjoyed when he heard the news that she had been named as a potential heir.

Baron Travian controls lands that border on the Dunulaan’s, and he is not overly fond of his neighbors. He doesn’t approve of elves having noble titles, and he is not shy about sharing his opinions. His considerable fortune comes from the numerous plantations he owns on his lands. Dylan was outraged when Elaria was named as an heir, and loudly denounced the idea to anyone who would listen. His pleas, however, largely fell on deaf ears, as those in power were determined to follow the empress’s wishes.

Redoras Breel

Name: Redoras BreelAge: 215 Race: DwarfOccupation: Butler

Redoras is the Dunulaan’s butler, and has been for as long as Elaria can remember. The old dwarf helped raise Elaria, and has now become a trusted confidant and advisor. Unlike many of her associates, who either openly dislike her or are seeking to ingratiate themselves to the rich and powerful baroness, Redoras cares a great deal for her, but is also not afraid to tell her when she’s being stubborn or foolish. His advice is one of the only things that can convince the headstrong elf to stop and rethink her decisions.

Malcolm Endegrast

Name: Malcolm EndegrastAge: 27 Race: HumanOccupation: General

A rising star in the imperial army, the recently promoted General Malcolm Endegrast has proven himself a formidable soldier and a capable leader. met Elaria during the recent planar invasions in Armadya, where they served together. Impressed by both her martial prowess and her beauty, the young officer quickly found himself in love. Although Elaria considers Malcolm a dear friend, and can’t deny she is attracted to him, she has thusfar refused his romantic advances. Despite their compatibility, she feels the differences between their races are too great to build a relationship around, particularly their lifespans. Malcolm has another sixty or so years, whereas she could easily live for several centuries.

PC relationships:

Valinar:
Elaria remembers fighting with Valinar in Armadya. She was impressed by his magical ability and by his initiative in hunting down the responsible parties, but mostly she feels pity for him. Unlike her, he was raised by humans rather than his own kind, and had obviously been affected by the scorn he received from certain family members. She would be interested in developing a friendship with him, if for nothing else than to give him a friend whom he won’t inevitably outlive.

Sebastian:
In the few times they’ve met, Sebastian has been something of a mystery to Elaria. On the surface, he seems to be just a typical noble’s son, frivolous and charismatic. However, there are times when she sees signs of something deeper, a sense of morality and solidity that she can’t quite put her finger on. He interests her, because he represents a complexity that many she has met lack.

Pacho Corello:Doesn’t trust him. He always seems too at ease in any given situation, with the right words coming too easily, as if they had been carefully practiced. She knows his father, and remembers him always feeling much the same. Whatever the family’s true nature is, the sense that there is much they don’t show puts Elaria ill at ease.

Hasan Chakkal:
Living in the same city and both coming from noble merchant families, Elaria knows Hasan fairly well, although her brother Nadrial deals with him more often. She finds him intelligent and charming, but overall there is nothing about him that makes him stand out to her. He seems, to her, to lack the drive to improve himself, to push beyond his limits.

Korag Bolin:
Elaria isn’t entirely sure what to make of Korag. He is a prince, the son of a king, but he doesn’t seem like most of the princes she has known. He’s a warrior, certainly, that was apparent to her immediately, but not in the way she would expect from a prince. He’s not the noble knight type, and seems like he would be more at home in a soldier’s barracks than a palace. Perhaps, she thinks, the expectations are different for dwarves, she hasn’t met that many, after all.

Background: Things weren’t always easy for the Dunulaans. Living as elves in a country that had been warring with the elves on and off for the past few millenia carried with it a distinct set of challenges, especially for someone, like Sebarial, trying to establish himself as a merchant. It took time and a good deal of skill, but eventually he and his wife achieved the success they had been striving for, and their merchant empire became the envy of many. Wealth smoothed over a lot of the rough patches in dealing with some of the less than tolerant humans. Elf or not, once you have money people are much more likely to accept you.

It was into this environment that Elaria was born; wealthy and accepted, but always keenly aware that she and her family weren’t completely welcome. She bore it as her father always had, confident that her loyalty to the crown and to Eryka would overshadow her race, at least in the eyes of those who mattered. 75 years ago, when yet another war against the elves began, Sebarial felt it was his duty to fight. He had always felt a sort of responsibility for the heinous acts of his kinsmen, and wanted to prove his loyalty to any who questioned it. Elaria begged her father to let her accompany him, but as she was only 85 at the time, still an adolescent by elf standards, he said she was too young and wouldn’t allow it. While her father fought in a distant war, she practiced constantly, honing her skills so she would be able to fight when her time came.

Sebarial acquitted himself well in the war, and in return was granted a barony. This marked a drastic shift in the fortunes of the family. They had long been wealthy, but the addition of a title brought with it a measure of respect from all but the most vehement elf-haters. Their respectable townhouse in the capital was replaced by a spacious estate in the countryside, and the family’s business interest grew in accordance with their new station.

Now thrust into the cutthroat world of high society, Elaria grew even more determined to prove herself. With the eyes of the nation on her and her family, it was vital that she demonstrate her potential. She continued her training in the arts of war, while also focusing on learning the social graces she needed to survive as a Selaryan noblewoman. In 7440, when Queen Helena became Empress Helena, Elaria pledged her loyalty to the new empress and fought to eliminate the rebelling nobles. It was around that time that Sebarial retired to his country estate, and the siblings Elaria and Nadrial took over running the family’s affairs. Given their individual talents, division of labor was a simple matter; Elaria represented the family in all martial arenas and at court, while her brother ran the financial empire.

In the years since, Elaria has served with pride on numerous occasions, including the planar invasion of Armadya a few years ago. Although she has proven herself several times over, she remains dedicated to demonstrating her worth, and to serving her empress and her goddess.